Hockey Rambling

 According to the Boston Globe, GM Peter Chiarelli has stated that Tuukka Rask understands that he will need to improve over a full season in the AHL before being considered for NHL duty, so he will remain in Providence for at least another year, if there were any doubt.  The Red Wings have signed Dick [...]

 TSN is reporting that despite being healthy, Gary Roberts will be scratched. I disagree with Therrien's decision on this one, as the Pens lack experience and grit versus the Red Wings and Roberts offers that in spades. Harrison Reed, who has free-fallen to 125 on my prospects list, has signed an entry-level deal with Carolina. They [...]

 For the next FOUR days, there is a 25% discount off of all DobberHockey shirts and hats - some of these shirts are pretty awesome, you'll love them. New hat design. Have a look, can't hurt .  Don't forget tob enter the coupon information (found at the top of the shirt page) to get the [...]

 Didn't see this coming, did you? Tony Granato is the new coach of the Avs. It will be his second tour of duty. This will help their offense, in my books.  New Vancouver GM Mike Gillis (?) has fired two assistant coaches. Whether he fires Alain Vigneault now, or 10 games into the season, I think [...]

 The Blackhawks have signed Dustin Byfuglien, James Wisniewski and Adam Burish. Byfuglien will probably start next season defenseman- eligible in most fantasy leagues, but will essentially be a forward. For 2009- 10 I am sure he will then be changed to a winger for fantasy purposes. Burish had 214 PIMs and makes a great dark [...]

 Some former NHLers who have signed to and will continue to play in Europe: Artem Chubarov (RSL), Ville Nieminen (Finland), Dmitri Yushkevich (RSL). Chris Chelios missed last night's contest with a leg injury. Despite a fantastic postseason performance by Brenden Morrow, last night was a very weak game: just one shot on goal and he was a [...]

 It sounds as if Radim Vrbata is asking for too much money from the Coyotes. The Yotes are playing hardball, saying - and rightfully so - that they have a lot of great young kids on the cusp and while they would like to have Vrbata back, the price would have to be reasonable. If [...]

 John Grahame will not be in the NHL next year. Omsk got him. He will play in the RSL next season. The Russian League was on fire yesterday - Chris Simon has signed with Vityaz Podolsk Chekhov. The likes of Alexander Korolyuk, Igor Radulov (Alexander's brother), Nathan Perrot and Oleg Kvasha all play there. The Pens signed [...]

 Doctors are telling Kimmo Timonen that his blood clot can't get any worse and are giving him the green light to play tomorrow. Wow - talk about a boost for the Flyers. It should be a great game. Braydon Coburn still "doesn't feel right". He did not skate yesterday. Johan Franzen is a no-go for today. As [...]

 According to the Denver Post, Patrick Roy will not coach the Avs next year. He wants to coach his two sons in the coming season in the QMJHL and will consider the NHL after that.  Lehtinen and Barnes will be out for Game 5 on Saturday afternoon. Dallas rearguard Mark Fistric has mono. Everyone had figured [...]